Comprehensive database will allow targeted subsidies, aid to be channeled effectively, says PM


PUTRAJAYA: A main database that will house socio-economic information of households will be developed so that targeted subsidies and aid can be distributed more effectively, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said the database, to be known as PADU, is also to ensure a more systematic distribution of assistance, to avoid anyone who is eligible from not receiving it.

The Statistics Department will be responsible for collecting all the necessary information for the database.

This includes the number of households, household income, location, number of vehicles, record of assistance received from government departments and other information to determine disposable income of eligible households.

ALSO READ : Anwar: Govt looking at ways to expand targeted subsidies

“Whatever data that we have now is not fully complete and is not coordinated. Once the PADU database is up and running, it will be more comprehensive and will use real time data,” said Anwar after chairing the Economic Action Council meeting on Monday (May 15).

The database is expected to be fully functional by January next year.

The Prime Minister said the meeting also discussed the issue of subsidy, to further improve the diesel subsidy system, which saw the government having to spend RM13bil in 2022.

ALSO READ : Targeted subsidy needs government willpower

He said the use of diesel had increased over the years, noting that last year. 8.4 billion liters were used.

“This is an increase of 37.7% or 6.1 billion liters used in 2019.

“On the other hand, the number of registered vehicles using diesel has only increased 2.4%, from 2.08 million in 2019 to 2.13 million in 2022.

“The surge in diesel usage compared to the number of diesel-usage vehicles indicates that there are leakages that need to be tackled,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the meeting had agreed for several measures to be taken, including to expand the issuance of fleet cards.

“This will help prevent leakages, smuggling and illegal sales of diesel to other parties. The taxes collected are meant to help the people, not for diesel to be sold illegally for small groups to make profit,” he added.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Nation

Government department director remanded over bribery allegations
Lorry driver responsible for fatal accident had 100 traffic summons, say cops
Agriculture ministry's training centres see increase in employable graduates in 2022
Fisheries department replanting seagrass to conserve dugong habitats
Free swimming lessons for underprivileged kids in Kota Laksamana
Four policemen nabbed over kidnapping of Malaysian, foreign tourists in Pasay, Philippines
Penang honours community leaders with road name changes in Bayan Lepas
MyDigital ID registration progressing in phases, says Rafizi
Missing fishermen found safe in Sapulut Forest after search and rescue operation
Reforms needed for pension scheme, says UM professor

Others Also Read